The West Springfield Public Library Youth Room is pleased to present our Summer Reading performers. The Summer Reading Program will run from Tuesday, June 20th through Friday, August 4th. It is sponsored by the Friends of the West Springfield Public Library.
Children from birth to ages 12 can earn a chance at prizes for every 2 hours of reading. If they complete their reading log with at least 10 hours or reading, they are also invited to the End of Summer Reading Ice Cream Party on August 18th at the library. The Ice Cream is provided by our friends at Gooseberry Farms. There is also a reading program available for Teens and adults.
2023 Summer Reading Performers.
Our performers are funded by a grant from the West Springfield Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Davis Bates, Storyteller Thursday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. No registration required
Davis Bates has been telling stories for over thirty-eight years, in schools, libraries, and community settings around New York & New England and across the country. Davis Bates' performances are a mixture of family, Native American, international and regional songs and stories. They speak of empowerment, history, spirit and the environment. Recommended for ages 5 and up and families
Caravan Puppets Thursday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m. No registration required
“Caravan's library performances highlight the joys of creativity, imagination and the love of reading. Our programs engage audiences with unique handmade puppets, a wide diversity of puppetry styles, exciting stories, interactive skits and original music.” Recommended for all ages
Kate O’Connor and A Beautiful Future band, Thursday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m. No registration required
A Beautiful Future Band presents exceptional musicians performing lively, positive music. With joyful songs and games, movement and laughter, the Beautiful Future Band guides children young and old on a lively musical journey around the world! Recommended all ages.
Ed the Wizard Balloon Twisting Workshop, Thursday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m registration required,on or after June 1, space is limited
Ed the Wizard has been performing magic and creating balloon twisting workshops, bringing programs to schools and libraries. Recommended for ages 8 and up
Joys of Nature Program, “Not Really So Scary Animals”, Thursday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. no registration required
Joy Marzolf has been doing a variety of animal-related education programs in her professional life for over 20 years. Part of her animal experience includes working with a wide range of animals, including marine mammals in rehab/rescue programs in Massachusetts. She taught numerous programs for a wide range of ages on topics including butterflies and dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, animal tracking and photography. Recommended for ages 5 and up
Tim Kane Drums Circle Program, Thursday, July 27 at 10:00 a.m. registration required,on or after June 1, space is limited
Tim Kane is a lifelong student of the drum set, Tim branched out 10 years ago to develop a public and private therapeutic hand-drumming program in Massachusetts for both kids and senior citizens. His professional memberships include the American Federation of Musicians, American Music Therapy Association, and Mass. Music Educators Association. Recommended for ages 7 and up
Rick Hamelin, Pottery Workshop, Thursday, August 4 at 10:00 a.m. registration required,on or after June 1, space is limited
Rick Hamelin has been potting since 1976. He became committed to learning about the historical redware potters after learning of the Colonial and Early American industries that existed in his native Central Massachusetts. Rick’s store, Pied Piper Hamelin Pottery, specializes in making redware pottery. Rick has taught and worked in museums and is currently demonstrating pottery and lecturing throughout Massachusetts at libraries, schools and senior centers to audiences of different ages. Recommended for ages 7 and up.
